Miscarriage Supplies and Comfort Kit

If you're a practitioner who works with women who may be miscarrying, we recommend that you put together a take-home kit of supplies that might be useful when that miscarriage occurs.

These supplies not only may be helpful to her practically speaking, but they also provide professional, medical affirmation that for some families, it feels right to collect the products of conception and either explore the possibility of testing, or lay them to rest in a meaningful way. When paired with a compassionate brochure or handout that explains what a woman may experience physically, these supplies offer women the sense that you as providers are aware that something important will happen to them when they leave the office.

Each medical supply kit should contain:

1 pair of gloves

Hat for toilet

2 or 3 large peri pads

2 or 3 disposable chux pads

Specimen cup

Saline to preserve the specimen

Written information about miscarriage that explains both the physical process as well as the emotional process

Before you send someone home with this kit, make sure you take out its contents and explain what they are. Each individual should be reassured that these materials are available should she want to make use of them. Not everyone wants to catch or keep the remains of a miscarriage, and that's completely fine. We need to say this. However, as providers we also want to offer the possibility for each individual to save the products of conception in an uncomplicated, tidy way, and that's why we give out these kits.

And, a note about language: most people who are miscarrying don't like the phrase "products of conception." You can ask a person what they'd like you to say. Does "pregnancy" feel comfortable? Do they view this as a baby? Don't be afraid to explore what feels comfortable to each family. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

If you're wanting to provide some emotional support along with the medical supplies, Empty Arms has compiled a comfort kit that includes:

A mug and mug cozy, with 4 packets of raspberry tea to help with cramping

Handmade rice bag for cramping

Handwritten card from someone who has also experienced loss, stating "No one knows exactly what you are feeling and experiencing after your loss. But there are many of us who have experienced similar losses, and are here to help and support you. As you hold this mug, I hope you feel that support surrounding you, and know you are not facing this alone."

A booklet titled "Making it Through Your Miscarriage," which includes both basic medical information and many first hand accounts of people's varied experiences with miscarriage

A small box with a rose quartz, and a card which reads "We offer this to you as an expression of our sympathy. The loss of your pregnancy can be significant, and we want to honor the hopes, dreams, and love you had for your baby. We wish you courage as you begin to heal."

Please contact us if you'd like to purchase kits, or feel free to use any of the above that feels useful for your patients.

Empty Arms Bereavement Support

Empty Arms Bereavement Support is a Western Massachusetts-based non-profit organization offering resources and support to families across the region who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. We are affiliated with the national organization Share.

Empty Arms offers a variety of bereavement support to grieving families across Western Massachusetts. One in four pregnancies ends in a loss, and we are grateful to be able to support families during their darkest times.

All resources on our webpages are copyrighted 2017 Empty Arms Bereavement Support. Contact us if you'd like to share our resources.

Empty Arms operates through the generous support of our individual donors, as well as grants from The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Baystate Health, Howard E. Stark Foundation, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.